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grilled whole chicken on butcher paper.
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5 from 7 votes

3-Ingredient Grilled Whole Chicken

The simple steps for grilling chicken whole using just three ingredients and any type of grill - gas, charcoal or pellet.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 6 lb whole chicken
  • 1 stick butter softened
  • 2 tbsp BBQ Rub

Instructions

  • Prep Chicken: Remove the chicken from the packaging. Reach inside the cavity and remove and discard the neck and any organs that may be stuffed inside. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  • Season: Take a stick of softened butter and smear it all over the chicken, including under the breast skin. Sprinkle rub all over the inside and outside of the bird.
  • Heat Grill: Place the chicken in the refrigerator while you heat your grill to 375-400F degrees with an indirect heat zone. (Read above for instructions)
  • Grill: Place chicken on the grill over indirect heat with the chicken breast side facing up. Close the grill lid and grill for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 165F degrees.
  • Rest: Remove from the grill and let it rest for 15 minutes.
  • Serve: Slice into pieces or pull the shredded meat from the bones and serve.

Notes

For a prettier overall appearance, you can tie the legs together with butcher's twine, but this is optional.
The calories and fat will be lower, if you discard the skin and only eat the meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 607kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 18g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 204mg | Sodium: 274mg | Potassium: 425mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 811IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 2mg